FAQs

Building

  • Yes, temporary structures require permits.

  • Typically, you can receive an approved sign off from the Town within 24 to 48 hours.

    The time line for the final approval from the Hardee County Building department varies depending on the size and/or type of project. For larger or unusual projects, the review process will take longer.

  • You will have to submit a permit sign off form to the Town of Zolfo Springs for approval, then you will take that form to the Hardee County Building Dept and fill our your permit application. The Hardee County Building Dept will advise you of any requirements and permit fees.

    You will need a set of plans with you along with your energy/wind load forms (wind load & energy efficiency on windows, doors, appliances, etc.).

  • Any building, plumbing or electrical construction needs a permit.

    You do not need a permit for replacing carpet, tile, cabinets, or sinks. You also do not need a permit to erect a fence, as long as it is on your property.

  • The Zolfo Springs Code Enforcer or the Hardee County Building Department.

Code Enforcement

  • Animals can be taken to the County Animal Control Office located on Airport Road in Wauchula for surrender, call: 863-773-2320.

    In addition, residents can contact the Town for traps to be placed to catch stray animals.

  • Items that WILL NOT be picked up with garbage collection:

    • Tires
    • Television & Other electronics
    • Appliances

    Items that can be picked up by garbage collection:

    • Furniture (mattresses, chairs, etc)
    • Tree Debris (must be tied/bundled)

    You must call Hardee Disposal to arrange pick up for these items.

  • To be placed on the list for debris removal, contact Hardee County disposal at 863-773-6079.

  • Any animal caught by Town staff is taken to Bowling Green Animal Control: 863-375-2255.

    For an animal to be released and returned to the owner a $25.00 fee must first be paid to the Town to authorize release, along with any shot fees incurred.

    1. A complaint is received by Code Enforcement.
    2. An inspection of the property is conducted.
    3. If a violation is found, a certified letter is sent to the property owner with a set time frame to correct the violation.
    4. If the violation is not corrected within the set time frame a Notice to Appear before the Special Magistrate is sent and a hearing is scheduled.
    5. If the Special Magistrate finds the property to be in violation a fine can be set for each day the property continues to be in violation.
    6. Failure to pay fines, can result in liens being placed on the property or other property owned by the property owner (cars, boats, etc).

  • This is actually very common. An owner of a property does work on their property (puts up a fence, shed, closes in a carport, etc.) and does not pull a permit. Later he sells the home and does not tell the buyer, Code Enforcement cites the new owner.

    When you buy a home, you buy it as is. This means you accept the house the way it is and as the new owner become responsible to correct the problems. However, you do have the right to pursue civil action against the previous owner.

    • Inoperable Vehicles and those lacking current tags.
    • Grass, weeds, and other vegetation in excess of 12 inches in height.
    • Accumulation of junk, trash, and debris (including tree debris).
    • Address numbers not posted on structure, clearly visible from the roadway, or less than 4 inches in height.
    • Dilapidated dwellings and structures.
    • Signs placed in the right-of-ways and utility poles.
    • Occupancy of RV outside of designated RV Parks.
    • Occupancy of accessory structures (sheds).
    • Operating business without occupational license.
    • Farm animals in residential areas.
    • Allowing dogs to run at large, not keeping dog on property.

  • The following items are some examples of junk trash and debris that ARE NOT permitted:

    • Old furniture (chairs, couches)
    • Old appliances (washers, refrigerators, etc)
    • Old tires (must be disposed of at landfill or disposal facility and will not be picked up with garbage collection)
    • Debris of any kind (tree limbs)
    • Yard trash or litter (any untidy accumulation of objects)
    • Buckets, coolers, aluminum cans, tarps, mattress, bed frames, old lumber, old metal, any thing old and not in use
    • Lumber/wood must be stacked neatly on the property

  • Collection days are Wednesday and Saturday.

  • A commercial vehicle is any vehicle that has a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 10,000 lbs. or more, or a tax class of 40 to 44. Vehicles that have company names, numbers, etc. such as vans and pick-up trucks are not considered commercial vehicles.

    *NOTE: Commercial Vehicles cannot be parked or stored in a residential zone. This includes tow trucks on rotation.

  • An unserviceable vehicle is any vehicle that is not road worthy. Not having a tag or registration, missing parts, flat tires, smashed windshield, etc. will bring notice to a vehicle as being unserviceable.

  • Code Enforcement is not trying to judge anyone.  Codes are written for everyone to follow, not to judge ones character. Codes cannot legally be enforced by a case-by-case basis they are the same for everyone.

    We always appreciate anyone who is out to better the community but they have to follow the codes. Codes are not enforced based on opinion, income, or personal status; they are enforced the same for every property. Sometimes it is just a matter of educating, as many do not even know that they have committed a violation.

  • The title of the code is entitled Junk, Trash, and Debris. The definitions of these terms are different from the common everyday meanings. You can request a copy of the definitions from your code enforcement officer.

Facility Rental

  • NO alcoholic beverages allowed on premises. Frequent inspections may be made by law enforcement personnel. Possession of alcoholic beverages inside the building or on the grounds (this includes the parking lot and basketball court) will result in the eviction and forfeiture of rental and deposit.

  • The front door will be padlocked. Your combination to the padlock will be provided to you as part of your rental agreement. You must remember this to open the door. You are responsible for making sure ALL the doors are locked when you leave the Civic Center.

  • Your deposit and rental fee should be paid at least two weeks prior to your event.

    The Civic Center is reserved on a first come, first served basis. As soon as you know the date of your event, you should inquire about availability and finalize your rental agreement to secure the facility for your event.

    • ALL trash must be placed in the dumpster located in the Civic Center parking lot. Building, parking lot, and grounds must be left in a clean condition.
    • Mop and Broom are provided; renter MUST bring all other cleaning supplies.
    • DO NOT put tape on doors or windows. It will damage the tinting.
    • ALL decorations must be removed from tables, chairs, ceiling and walls, including tape.
    • The floors MUST be swept and mopped before leaving and doors are to be wiped off.
    • The kitchen and restrooms MUST be left clean. This includes flushing and wiping the toilets and washing down the counter tops, sinks, stove and microwave.
    • Tables and chairs MUST be clean and returned to the proper areas.

    The cleaning deposit will be refunded if ALL of the above conditions are met. While renting the Civic Center, you are also responsible for the basketball court and keeping it maintained. Any damages will result in deposit forfeiture.

  • The rental fee of $350.00 MUST be paid in advance. ($200.00 rental fee / $150.00 cleaning deposit).

    Should you decide to cancel your rental date, you must notify the Town Office at least 48 hours (2days) in advance to receive a full refund. Otherwise, only the $150.00 cleaning deposit will be refunded.

  • The following will be available to use during your event:

    • 75 White Chairs
    • Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave and stove (Only for WARMING)
    • Men's & Women's Restrooms
    • Mop & Broom (must bring own cleaning supplies)

  • The NOISE LEVEL must not disturb neighbors and ALL activities must be over by 11:00 pm.

    The STOVE is for warming only. No cooking is allowed.

Residents

  • Yes, within the Town of Zolfo Springs there are two storage facilities:

    • Storage Shack: (863) 735-8350
    • Zolfo Storage: (863) 773-4749

  • The Herald Advocate is Hardee County's local paper and it is published once a week, on Thursdays.

  • Zolfo Springs is in the Hardee County School District.

  • Collection days are Wednesday and Saturday.

    If you need to establish service or have additional questions, contact Hardee County Disposal at (863) 773-6079.

  • A local resource for job placement assistance is CareerSource Heartland.

  • The electric providers in the Zolfo Springs area are:

  • To establish your cable/internet service:

    • Local provider is Comcast; or
    • Satellite companies - Direct TV, Dish Network, etc.

  • Water is provided by the Town of Zolfo Springs. View the Utilities page on our website for more details.

    You can contact the Utilities Clerk at (863) 735-0405 with any additional questions.

Utilities

  • Contact Information:

    Progress Energy: Call 1-800-700-8744; Bills can be paid at Amscot in Wauchula; or Online

    Peace River Electric Coop: Call 863-773-4116 x210; Bills can be paid at Metheny Road in Wauchula; or Online

    *NOTE: Will need meter number.

  • There is a $125.00 deposit on all new accounts.

    If the location is a rental property and the landlord has a standing deposit with the Town, the landlord can request the deposit from renter.

  • Disconnects are done around the 27th of every month and there is a $45.00 reconnect fee.  You will need to contact your provider to reestablish service and pay your outstanding balance and fees.

  • Bills are due the 20th of every month. There is a $10.00 late fee if paid after 20th.

    *NOTE: There is a $25.00 returned check fee on all returned checks.

  • New bills are mailed out the last day of every month.

104 Fifth Street West | Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 | (863) 735‑0405